December 2008 Garden Tips
1. Check perennials for signs of heaving. If this occurs, re-cover with mulch.
2. Install hardware cloth or other fencing that extends above snow level to keep animals away.
3. Gather cuttings of red dogwood and spruce tops to add to planters or window boxes for winter decorating.
4. Oaks, honey locusts, crab apples, pears, mountain ash, and hawthorn are best pruned now.
5. Keep evergreens and shrubs free of heavy snow.
6. Check daily the water level on your Christmas tree. Most trees need fresh water every day. Never leave the Christmas lights on when you leave the house.
7. Make sure your bird feeders and suet feeders are full. Clean bird feeders and start fresh for the winter. All bluebird houses should be cleaned out and left open until spring.
8. After the holidays, recycle your Christmas tree. If in need of extra mulch on your perennials, cut the branches off and apply to the tops of your gardens. Otherwise, you can contact your local Extension office and find the nearest tree-recycling center.
9. Or, move your Christmas tree outside and redecorate it for the birds. Anchor the tree in a bucket filled with damp sand. For trimmings, make strings of popcorn and cranberries; apples, oranges, and leftover breads; or pinecones covered with peanut butter, dipped in birdseed. For the best results, push the edible ornaments well into the tree.
10. Find inspiration for your garden in the middle of winter at Como Zoo in St. Paul. The zoo’s Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has seven indoor gardens, which are free to visit and open daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
11. Determine what flowers and planting techniques worked last season and plan accordingly.
12. Prepare for seed starting by selecting your seeds and purchasing your soil, seed starting trays, and pots.
Resources
Villa Landscapes
Burnsville • 952-894-1553
Maple Grove • 763-425-9277
Oakdale • 651-773-7440 All
Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association
GardenMinnesota.com
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